This will be a on going list I will add to regularly. If you have tips to add, by all means please send them to us. It is not meant to be a all inclusive list but hopefully it will help you on your next adventure, whether it be camping, hiking, trekking, bike touring, mountain biking climbing, paddle or whatever activity you choose.

NEW ITEMS ARE IN ITALICS

Before you go:

Know the weather for the day(s) of your adventure.

Know your gear before you going out in the woods.

Check fuel bottles to make sure you have enough fuel.

Check with local hiking clubs to see about fires or other closures that could effect your plans.

Check the batteries in your flashlight or headlamp.

Make sure your car or truck is in good working order. Finishing a hike only to be stranded in the woods because your car won’t start is no fun and dangerous.

Bring the following with you on your hike: a photo ID, insurance card, and credit card. Before a long trek, taking digital photos or photo copies of your documentation and emailing it to yourself can be helpful if they are lost or stolen. Easy access to a copy of the document may aid in getting replacements faster.

It’s not a great thing to consider but if you’re going on a long trek think about filling out a living will. Anything can happen at any time.

Planning:

Always tell some where your going and your plan.

Have a back up plan if the trail is closed or the campsite you plan to stay at is full.

Make sure more than one person in the group knows the plan in case you get split up.

If your using a GPS for navigation be sue to have a paper map as a back up.

Gear:

Leave the cotton at home, use wool or a synthetic material.

Have a place for each item in your pack and stick to the system. It will make finding things much easier.

Save money by using a heavy duty trash bag as a pack liner (pack covers don’t work and cost a lot for what they are).

Never store your sleeping bag in it’s stuff sack.

Your shoes might look new but most running shoes should be replaced after 300-500 miles.

When you switch out your shoes replace your insoles and socks.

Don’t fold your tent but stuff it. Over time folding it can stress the fabric making it fail.

Always carry some sort of rope or cord to make repairs or replace laces.